Ezekiel 27:9
Ezekiel 27:9 in Multiple Translations
The elders of Gebal were aboard as shipwrights, repairing your leaks. All the ships of the sea and their sailors came alongside to barter for your merchandise.
The ancients of Gebal and the wise men thereof were in thee thy calkers: all the ships of the sea with their mariners were in thee to occupy thy merchandise.
The old men of Gebal and the wise men thereof were in thee thy calkers: all the ships of the sea with their mariners were in thee to deal in thy merchandise.
The responsible men of Gebal and its wise men were in you, making your boards watertight: all the ships of the sea with their seamen were in you trading in your goods.
Expert craftsmen from Gebal were onboard to repair any leaks. All the other ships at sea came to trade with you and their sailors bartered for your goods.
The ancients of Gebal, and the wise men thereof were in thee thy calkers, all the shippes of the sea with their mariners were in thee to occupie thy marchandise.
Elders of Gebal and its wise men have been in thee, Strengthening thy breach; All ships of the sea and their mariners, Have been in thee, to trade [with] thy merchandise.
The old men of Gebal and its wise men were your repairers of ship seams in you. All the ships of the sea with their mariners were in you to deal in your merchandise.
The ancients of Gebal and its wise men were in thee thy calkers: all the ships of the sea with their mariners were in thee to occupy thy merchandise.
The ancients of Gebal, and the wise men thereof furnished mariners for the service of thy various furniture: all the ships of the sea, and their mariners were thy factors.
Experienced craftsmen from Byblos city on the coast ◄did the caulking/filled the spaces between the planks in the sides► of the ship. Sailors from many countries came in their ships to buy and sell goods there.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 27:9
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezekiel 27:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
זִקְנֵ֨י
גְבַ֤ל
וַ/חֲכָמֶ֨י/הָ֙
הָ֣יוּ
בָ֔/ךְ
מַחֲזִיקֵ֖י
בִּדְקֵ֑/ךְ
כָּל
אֳנִיּ֨וֹת
הַ/יָּ֤ם
וּ/מַלָּֽחֵי/הֶם֙
הָ֣יוּ
בָ֔/ךְ
לַ/עֲרֹ֖ב
מַעֲרָבֵֽ/ךְ
זִקְנֵ֨י
zâqên
H2205
old
Adj
גְבַ֤ל
Gᵉbal
H1380
Gebal
N-proper
וַ/חֲכָמֶ֨י/הָ֙
châkâm
H2450
wise
Conj | Adj | Suff
הָ֣יוּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
בָ֔/ךְ
Prep | Suff
מַחֲזִיקֵ֖י
châzaq
H2388
to strengthen
V-Hiphil
בִּדְקֵ֑/ךְ
bedeq
H919
breach
N-ms | Suff
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
אֳנִיּ֨וֹת
ʼŏnîyâh
H591
fleet
N-fp
הַ/יָּ֤ם
yâm
H3220
West
Art | N-ms
וּ/מַלָּֽחֵי/הֶם֙
mallâch
H4419
mariner
Conj | N-mp | Suff
הָ֣יוּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
בָ֔/ךְ
Prep | Suff
לַ/עֲרֹ֖ב
ʻârab
H6148
to pledge
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
מַעֲרָבֵֽ/ךְ
maʻărâb
H4627
merchandise
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 27:9
זִקְנֵ֨י
zâqên
H2205
"old"
Adj
This Hebrew word means old or elderly, as in the case of the elderly men who appeared to Abraham in Genesis 18:11. It can also refer to those in positions of authority, like the elders who helped Moses in Exodus 24:1. The term is used to describe respect and leadership.
Definition: : old 1) old 1a) old (of humans) 1b) elder (of those having authority) Also means: za.qen (זָקֵן ": elder" H2205)
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: aged, ancient (man), elder(-est), old (man, men and...women), senator. See also: Genesis 18:11; 1 Samuel 28:14; Psalms 105:22.
גְבַ֤ל
Gᵉbal
H1380
"Gebal"
N-proper
Gebal was a place in ancient Phoenicia, near the city of Tyre. The name means 'mountain' and it was an important maritime town. The Greeks knew it as 'Byblus'.
Definition: § Gebal = "mountain" a maritime town of Phoenicia near Tyre (modern 'Jebeil') known to the Greeks as 'Byblus'
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Gebal. See also: Ezekiel 27:9.
וַ/חֲכָמֶ֨י/הָ֙
châkâm
H2450
"wise"
Conj | Adj | Suff
This word means wise or skilled, describing someone intelligent or crafty, like a cunning man or a prudent leader.
Definition: 1) wise, wise (man) 1a) skilful (in technical work) 1b) wise (in administration) 1c) shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle 1d) learned, shrewd (class of men) 1e) prudent 1f) wise (ethically and religiously)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). See also: Genesis 41:8; Proverbs 16:14; Psalms 49:11.
הָ֣יוּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
בָ֔/ךְ
""
Prep | Suff
מַחֲזִיקֵ֖י
châzaq
H2388
"to strengthen"
V-Hiphil
To strengthen means to be strong or courageous, and can also mean to seize or conquer, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: : strengthen/support/encourage 1) to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, grow strong 1a1a) to prevail, prevail upon 1a1b) to be firm, be caught fast, be secure 1a1c) to press, be urgent 1a1d) to grow stout, grow rigid, grow hard (bad sense) 1a1e) to be severe, be grievous 1a2) to strengthen 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make strong 1b2) to restore to strength, give strength 1b3) to strengthen, sustain, encourage 1b4) to make strong, make bold, encourage 1b5) to make firm 1b6) to make rigid, make hard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make strong, strengthen 1c2) to make firm 1c3) to display strength 1c4) to make severe 1c5) to support 1c6) to repair 1c7) to prevail, prevail upon 1c8) to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, sustain, support 1c9) to hold, contain 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to strengthen oneself 1d2) to put forth strength, use one's strength 1d3) to withstand 1d4) to hold strongly with
Usage: Occurs in 266 OT verses. KJV: aid, amend, [idiom] calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand. See also: Genesis 19:16; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 27:14.
בִּדְקֵ֑/ךְ
bedeq
H919
"breach"
N-ms | Suff
A breach is a gap or hole in something, like a building or ship. In the Bible, it is used to describe damage or weakness, and the need for repair, as in Nehemiah 6.
Definition: fissure, rent, breach, leak (in a building)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: breach, [phrase] calker. See also: 2 Kings 12:6; 2 Kings 12:13; Ezekiel 27:27.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אֳנִיּ֨וֹת
ʼŏnîyâh
H591
"fleet"
N-fp
The Hebrew word for ship or fleet is used in the Bible to describe a vessel that sails on the water. It appears in Numbers 24:24 and Proverbs 30:19, often referring to the men who sail on these ships, known as seamen.
Definition: 1) ship 1a) men of ships, seamen
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: ship(-men). See also: Genesis 49:13; Proverbs 30:19; Psalms 48:8.
הַ/יָּ֤ם
yâm
H3220
"West"
Art | N-ms
Refers to a large body of water like the Mediterranean Sea or a sea in general, sometimes specifically the west or seaward direction.
Definition: This name means sea, seaward, westward Another name of eph.ron (עֶפְרוֹן "(Mount )Ephron" H6085H)
Usage: Occurs in 339 OT verses. KJV: sea ([idiom] -faring man, (-shore)), south, west (-ern, side, -ward). See also: Genesis 1:10; Joshua 17:10; Psalms 8:9.
וּ/מַלָּֽחֵי/הֶם֙
mallâch
H4419
"mariner"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
A mariner or sailor is what this Hebrew word describes, someone who works at sea, often associated with the saltwater. The word is derived from the idea of following the salt, highlighting the connection between sailors and the sea. It appears in contexts describing seafaring activities.
Definition: mariner, sailor, seaman
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: mariner. See also: Ezekiel 27:9; Ezekiel 27:29; Jonah 1:5.
הָ֣יוּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
בָ֔/ךְ
""
Prep | Suff
לַ/עֲרֹ֖ב
ʻârab
H6148
"to pledge"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to pledge or exchange something, often in the context of giving security or taking on a responsibility. It can also mean to occupy or undertake something, such as going surety for someone or giving pledges.
Definition: 1) to pledge, exchange, mortgage, engage, occupy, undertake for, give pledges, be or become surety, take on pledge, give in pledge 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take on pledge, go surety for 1a2) to give in pledge 1a3) to exchange 1a4) to pledge 1b) (Hithpael) 1b1) to exchange pledges 1b2) to have fellowship with, share
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: engage, (inter-) meddle (with), mingle (self), mortgage, occupy, give pledges, be(-come, put in) surety, undertake. See also: Genesis 43:9; Proverbs 17:18; Psalms 106:35.
מַעֲרָבֵֽ/ךְ
maʻărâb
H4627
"merchandise"
N-ms | Suff
Merchandise is the exchange of goods or trade, like buying and selling. In the Bible, it is mentioned in the book of Ezekiel as a major part of commerce. The KJV translation uses the term market to describe it.
Definition: merchandise, articles of exchange
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: market, merchandise. See also: Ezekiel 27:9; Ezekiel 27:25; Ezekiel 27:34.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 27:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 27:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 27:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 27:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 27:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 27:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 27:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 27:9
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 27:9
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 27:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 27:9
Context — A Lament for Tyre
7Of embroidered fine linen from Egypt they made your sail, which served as your banner. Of blue and purple from the coasts of Elishah they made your awning.
8The men of Sidon and Arvad were your oarsmen. Your men of skill, O Tyre, were there as your captains.
9The elders of Gebal were aboard as shipwrights, repairing your leaks. All the ships of the sea and their sailors came alongside to barter for your merchandise.
10Men of Persia, Lydia, and Put served as warriors in your army. They hung their shields and helmets on your walls; they gave you splendor. 11Men of Arvad and Helech manned your walls all around, and the men of Gammad were in your towers. They hung their shields around your walls; they perfected your beauty.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 5:18 | So Solomon’s and Hiram’s builders, along with the Gebalites, quarried the stone and prepared the timber and stone for the construction of the temple. |
| 2 | Joshua 13:5 | the land of the Gebalites; and all Lebanon to the east, from Baal-gad below Mount Hermon to Lebo-hamath. |
| 3 | Psalms 83:7 | of Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek, of Philistia with the people of Tyre. |
Ezekiel 27:9 Summary
[This verse is talking about the city of Tyre, which was a very wealthy and important place in ancient times. The elders of Gebal were like skilled mechanics who helped keep the ships in good condition, and people from all over the world came to trade with Tyre because it had so many valuable things to offer. This reminds us of the importance of working together and sharing our resources with others, as seen in Acts 2:45. Just like the city of Tyre, we can become proud and self-sufficient if we're not careful, but God calls us to humility and dependence on Him, as seen in 1 Corinthians 4:7.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the elders of Gebal were aboard as shipwrights?
The elders of Gebal were skilled craftsmen who were responsible for repairing the ships, much like how God desires for us to be skilled in our work and serve others, as seen in Exodus 35:35, where Bezalel and Oholiab were filled with the Spirit of God for their craftsmanship.
Why did all the ships of the sea come alongside to barter for Tyre's merchandise?
The ships came to trade because Tyre was a prosperous and wealthy city, with a vast array of goods to offer, much like how God desires for us to be generous and share our resources with others, as seen in Acts 2:45, where the early church shared their possessions with one another.
What can we learn from the diversity of people mentioned in this verse?
The diversity of people in Ezekiel 27:9, including the elders of Gebal and the sailors from other nations, teaches us about the importance of unity and cooperation, as seen in Galatians 3:28, where Paul writes that we are all one in Christ Jesus.
How does this verse relate to the overall message of Ezekiel 27?
This verse is part of a larger description of Tyre's wealth and commerce, highlighting the city's pride and self-sufficiency, which ultimately led to its downfall, as seen in Ezekiel 27:1-36, where God pronounces judgment on Tyre for its arrogance and idolatry.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can use my skills and talents to serve others, just like the elders of Gebal used their shipwright skills to repair the ships?
- How can I cultivate a spirit of generosity and sharing, like the early church in Acts 2:45, in my own life and community?
- What are some ways that I can promote unity and cooperation in my own relationships and community, despite our differences?
- How can I avoid the pitfalls of pride and self-sufficiency, like the city of Tyre, and instead cultivate a humble and dependent heart before God?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 27:9
The ancients of Gebal,.... A promontory of the Phoenicians, the same with the Gabale of Pliny (n), and with the land of the Giblites, Joshua 13:5.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 27:9
The ancients of Gebal and the wise men thereof were in thee thy calkers: all the ships of the sea with their mariners were in thee to occupy thy merchandise.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 27:9
The ancients; old experienced workmen. Of Gebal; a town of Phoenicia near the sea, one of the four principal towns, to which belonged a jurisdiction over a fourth part of Phoenicia, mentioned , among the conspirators against Israel and the Giblites, . Natives of Gebal are called stone-squarers, people fitted for hard and servile works. The wise men; skilful in their trades. Were in thee; hired and dwelt in Tyre for gain’ s sake, that they might be still employed. Calkers; shipwrights, to build no doubt, as well as repair and strengthen, their ships. All the ships of the sea; ships from all parts of the sea, full of mariners, not only to manage the ships at sea, but to offer their service to the Tyrians for bringing in or carrying out of their wares, so that they might reap the profit, whilst others did undergo trouble and danger of trafficking by sea; factors, and warehouse-keepers, and brokers.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 27:9
Ezekiel 27:9 The ancients of Gebal and the wise [men] thereof were in thee thy calkers: all the ships of the sea with their mariners were in thee to occupy thy merchandise.Ver. 9. The ancients of Gebal.] Great architects, but persecutors of the Church. Thy calkers.] Or, Stoppers of chinks, stuppa, pice, aliaque materia, when the ship springeth a leak.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 27:9
(9) The ancients of Gebal.—“The ancients” is a thoroughly Semitic expression for the prominent men of a city. Gebal, the ancient Byblos, the modern Gébeil, and the Gu-ba-lu of the Assyrian inscriptions, was a famous Phœnician town just north of Beirût. Its site is still rich in ruins. Its people were famous builders, and according to the margin of 1 Kings 5:18 (so also the Septuagint and Vulgate) were employed by Solomon on the work of the Temple. The representation is that the whole widely-dispersed Phœnician race were tributary to the works of Tyre. At this point the figure of the ship gives place for a time to plain language, the better to set forth the military resources and power of this great city.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 27:9
Verse 9. The ancients of Gebal] This was a city of Phoenicia, near Mount Libanus, Joshua 13:5. It was called Biblos by the Greeks. Thy calkers] Those who repaired their vessels; paying, as it is termed, pitched hemp into the seams, to prevent the water from oozing through. To occupy thy merchandise.] That is, to be thy agents or factors.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 27:9
9. ancients of Gebal] The elders, a title of honour or office, the magistrates. Probably also the “wise men thereof” is a semi-official title (cf. Ezekiel 27:8). The power of Tyre was exerted over all her dependencies (Ezekiel 26:17), in which men of the highest position entered all ranks of her service. Gebal (the classical Byblos, now Jubeil) is situated not far from the river Adonis (Ibrahim) somewhat over 20 miles N. of Beirut (Joshua 13:5; 1 Kings 5:18, R.V.). The town was devoted to the worship of Beltis (Astarte) and Adonis, cf. on ch. Ezekiel 8:14. The name appears in the Assyrian inscriptions, Del., Parad. p. 283. thy calkers] Marg. stoppers of chinks, carpenters. to occupy thy merchandise] to handle thy wares. The representation is that the great ship was attended on by all the ships of the sea with their sailors, who served her and delivered her wares to her, or were occupied about them (Ezekiel 27:27).
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 27:9
Gebal - i. e., Byblos (modern Gebeil) in Phoenicia, the chief seat of the worship of Adonis, and situated on an eminence over-looking the river Adonis, north of Beirut, not far from the Mediterranean sea.
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 27:9
9. Gebal (Gu-ub-li) — or, Byblos (Psalms 83:7; Joshua 13:5; 1 Kings 5:18) — A celebrated city lying a little to the south of Arvad but north of Tyre and Sidon, constantly mentioned in the campaigns